Member-only story
UX and the perceived value of things
This week has been one of heightened attention to the idea of the Anthropocene, the geological epoch of time that dates back from the commencement of significant human impact on Earth’s geology and ecosystems, including, but not limited to climatic and environmental impact. As I reflect on my own role as a “designer,” the perennial optimist in me forces me to think about what is within the control of my own function, and how I can give voice to issues around Sustainable UX.
Over the years, this has also forced me to be more selective in how, and where I work, as well as think of the impact that the goods and services we design impact our environment.
The following is an excerpt from my 2012 book, User Experience in the Age of Sustainability where I discussed the value of the things we design. Since its publication, much of the products we know have been trans-materialized into software as a service (SaaS), and other forms of digital delivery, with different pricing models and arbitrary values ascribed to the new incarnations of once physical products. Where once we may have bought a newspaper from the corner box, many of us now subscribed to the news online. Another example of a trans-materialized product is the move by Amazon to sell audiobooks, allowing users to listen to books rather than purchase physical books, as was traditionally widespread. A less…
